In this penultimate
episode, we explore career pathways and learning opportunities in sustainable agriculture and regenerative farming, with particular focus on the unique challenges and opportunities in rural Cornwall.
Host Carl is joined by four guests bringing local, national, and international perspectives:
Katie Kirk from Bosavern Community Farm discusses their educational programs supporting people from school age through retirement, including skills development, work experience placements, and career pathway guidance for diverse participants—from teenagers seeking first jobs to mid-career switchers pursuing quality of life changes.
Luke Botterill, former Bosavern WWOOFer, shares his journey from volunteering to pursuing a professional apprenticeship at Abbey Home Farm's Organic Shop near Cirencester, illustrating how hands-on learning experiences can shape career direction in the sector.
Lisa Dunne from LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) provides insight into the wide range of specialist and well-paid salaried career paths in agriculture, moving beyond common perceptions of farm work as purely physical labor.
James Whatty, Agronomist at Hutchinsons, discusses his own journey from Cornwall to university and back, retraining as an agronomist after completing an unrelated degree, and what the role entails beyond common misconceptions.
The conversation addresses the economic context of rural Cornwall—a sea-bound, rurally dispersed region with a former mining economy, now facing high levels of child poverty and limited large employers. Despite challenges including housing shortages and historic "brain drain," the area offers growing opportunities in hospitality, care work, and particularly in sustainable farming and environmental sectors.
Key themes explored include:
- The variety of motivations bringing people to this sector—from climate and biodiversity concerns to practical outdoor work preferences, disability support needs, graduate experience-building, and mid-life career changes
- The importance of terminology in job searching: "education & learning," "skills development," "placements," and "career pathways" can open doors beyond traditional volunteer roles
- WWOOFing as a pathway for both international visitors and young Cornish people to gain experience while traveling
- Bosavern's unique approach offering "taster modules" across horticulture, nature recovery, soil health, retail systems, healthy cookery, event management, grants and governance, and cultural exchange—helping participants identify strengths and focus career paths
- Real progression stories, including Bosavern's recognition through Plunkett Awards and St Just Town Council Community Award in 2022
This episode demonstrates that there is no single linear path into sustainable agriculture—whether you're a school leaver, graduate, career switcher, or someone seeking meaningful outdoor work, opportunities exist across a spectrum from hands-on practical roles to specialist professional positions.
Guests:
- Katie Kirk, Bosavern Community Farm
- Luke Botterill, Abbey Home Farm
- Lisa Dunne, LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming)
- James Whatty, Agronomist, Hutchinsons
Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes
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